The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have identified at least 351 Colombian citizens as part of its “worst of the worst” list, a database presented as evidence that ongoing migration raids are targeting the most dangerous individuals in the country.
However, a detailed analysis of the records suggests that the “criminal” label covers a vastly diverse range of conduct, from high-level felony offenses to minor traffic violations.
According to reporting by El Tiempo, the list is presented in a standardized format on the official DHS website, featuring a photograph, full name, and the specific state where the arrest occurred.
While the format is designed to reinforce a narrative of containing a significant criminal threat, the underlying data reveals that the 351 Colombians are being grouped under a single umbrella of “dangerousness” despite having committed acts of wildly varying severity.
The breakdown of charges: from felonies to misdemeanors
The most substantial portion of the group is linked to narcotics; 144 Colombians face charges involving illicit substances, primarily for the sale or trafficking of drugs, though the list also includes instances of simple possession.
This category is often highlighted by the Trump administration as proof of its offensive against organized crime, yet it effectively mixes high-impact felonies with nonviolent offenses. The second-largest group consists of 70 individuals accused of robbery.
Beyond these, the list grows increasingly heterogeneous. There have been at least 15 cases of money laundering and 17 cases of fraud, including illegal credit card use.
Additionally, ICE detained Colombians for at least four cases of shoplifting, a minor crime that typically falls outside the definition of “severe” criminality, and seven arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The group is completed by two arrests for simple traffic violations; five cases of illegal re-entry into the United States, and one case involving child negligence.
At the most severe end of the spectrum, the database does include high-threat cases. The list features four Colombians accused of rape and 13 others facing charges for sexual assault or the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Geographic concentration of Colombian arrests by ICE
Geographically, the arrests of Colombian nationals have been reported across nearly the entire United States, though they are heavily concentrated in states with large immigrant populations and high levels of enforcement activity.
60 of the arrests were made in California, while 44 were made in Florida, and 20 were made in New York.
A narrative of risk
One of the primary criticisms of the “worst of the worst” database is that DHS does not clarify if individuals are facing multiple charges, which can lead to a single person being counted across several criminal categories.
According to reporting by EL TIEMPO, this lack of transparency makes it difficult to use the list as an accurate radiograph of the specific type of criminality the government is attempting to combat.
The administration’s decision to group individuals accused of shoplifting or traffic infractions alongside those charged with sexual assault or large-scale drug trafficking has sparked debate over the accuracy of the “dangerous threat” narrative used to justify mass migration sweeps.